Inauguration plans

[Goathead]

Wow, just think if they put even that much planning into the Iraqi invasion. Our soldiers might not be getting blown up all over the place. The camo General standing on the map looks more like he's about to carpet bomb D.C. than plan a party there.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/12/28/swearing.in.ap/index.html

[Tesla]

1. Why do we need a big Inaugural Parade?

He's already into us for some trillion now.
We need a lifesize map of DC to plan a parade?
Whith a General standing in the center.
I think I would be more comfy with some Secret Service dude giving the talk.

[Clarkie1]

2. It's shameful that one dime is being spent on this travesty in wartime

[stevedeshazer]

5. And here is the best example why this "coronation" is wrong...

"The fourth inauguration was conducted without fanfare. Because of the expense and impropriety of festivity during the height of war, the oath of office was taken on the South Portico of the White House. It was administered by Chief Justice Harlan Stone. No formal celebrations followed the address."

source: http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres52.html
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It is the height of waste and irresponsibility to party like there's no tomorrow on your grandchildren's dimes.

[Taxloss]

3. You know what that reminds me of?

"Oh What A Lovely War". How ironic.

No offence, but this is one of those times I feel UK democracy is superior to the US version. If an incumbent loses power, then the ceremonial handover consists of the new PM driving to Buck House, asking to form a govt, and driving back. That's on the morning after the votes were cast. They would be in power by the afternoon. IE, you might have a new govt within 24hrs of casting your vote. If an incumbent retains power, nothing happens.

Either way, no ceremonies, no bands, no music, no parades, nothing. Just a businesslike transfer of power.

That rocks. IMHO.

But your system has a tonne of things going for it, such as a written constitution, fixed terms, separation of legislative and executive ...

[Eric J in MN]

4. Separation of legislative and executive doesn't help

when one party controls the White House, Senate, and House, and the Senate Majority Leader controls Senate committee chairmanships an the House Majority Leader controls House committee chairmanships.

[Taxloss]

6. With you, it's a electoral oddity. With us, it's a constitutional

certainty.

Elective dictatorship, that's what we got.